The Magic of Old

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Chapter 8: Werewolves and Murderers and Snapes, Oh My!

June had never been my favorite time of year. When I was young June meant returning to The Guardians. When I grew older June meant that it was time to go to another city and start the search for answers all over again. June was a time of pain and mourning. I had been raped in June. I left my college friends in June. My brother had killed himself in June. Last June was when I decided to find records about my real parents. That meant returning to the home I been taken from as a baby. This June Severus had left me.

I decided that for the rest of June I would leave the castle because I needed a change to keep my mind off Severus. I stayed in Hogsmeade to help Tibbs reorganize his second floor. This plan worked only fairly well, but it did help. Tibbs and I had fun searching through all the books. I enjoyed cooking again. It was nice to have a full kitchen at my disposal, so I made all my old favorites and tried them out on my dear new friend.

When July arrived I went back to the castle and buried myself in Charms with Professor Flitwick. He loved getting me to try spells that he could not seem to make work. At the end of July I took my N.E.W.T.s exam for Charms and received top marks. I knew he wouldn't write, but I waited eagerly to see if Snape would send me an owl at breakfast each morning. Then, in mid August I did receive an owl. It was a copy of the Daily Prophet. I nearly spat out my tea as I read the headlines.

"Sirius Black Escapes Azkaban!" I exclaimed.

When I heard about the Potter's death, I had also heard that their best friend, one of mine as well, had betrayed them. Black had turned them over to Lord Voldemort. I had trouble believing this. Sirius was a scamp, but he loved James like a brother. I thought he would have died rather than do something like that. Something was missing from the story as far as I was concerned. Everyone was afraid that Sirius would go looking for Harry now, to do him in as well. I was conflicted. Did Black really do this, or was he set up?

Professor Dumbledore was very worried and expressed his concerns for Harry's safety. Plans were being made for Harry's protection, which included allowing Dementors to roam the grounds at Hogwarts. I hated Dementors! Dumbledore told us not to trust them or let them anywhere near the castle itself.

"Ellie, I do not believe that Sirius knows of your return. However, I know he was your friend long ago, which means he may try and contact you. Please, notify me at once if he does," Dumbledore strongly advised.

"Of course, Headmaster," I assured him.

"I have found a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I feel this could help the situation. However, it will also increase the likelihood that Black will try and return to the castle," he explained.

"May I ask who it is?" I was very curious.

With a sparkle in his eyes Dumbledore replied, "Remus Lupin."

"Lupin!" I was thrilled, but concerned for many reasons. "Is he…safe? You know, the monthly thing and all?" I asked.

"There is a potion for that now. It is very difficult to brew, but is very effective. I believe our Potions Master will be able to make it for him."

I was excited at the mere reference of Snape.

Dumbledore continued, "Professor Lupin will arrive with the students on the train. I know you two will have a wonderful catching up."

"Where does one begin?" I asked rhetorically. "Professor, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Miss Kinsington."

"Well, remember that night in your office after the explosion in Gryffindor tower?" I asked timidly.

The Headmaster nodded and said, "Oh yes, that was a momentous occasion."

The old bloke actually looks happy!

"You knew I wasn't being truthful. Why did you let me take the blame?"

"There are some things more liberating than the truth, my dear. You see, you sacrificed yourself for your friends. Those friends were divided by a strong barrier. You were friends among enemies. When you made that sacrifice, both sides wanted to take the blame so that you would not be harmed. I have never seen anything like it in all my years. An act of such selflessness deserves rewarding," he explained.

Only Dumbledore could think of it that way.

I finally understood after all my years of wondering.

"Thank you, Headmaster, that means a lot to me." And it did.

We chatted about my progress in my studies then we parted ways near my rooms.

Remus Lupin returns to Hogwarts. Severus is going to hate this! I wonder if Sirius will contact me? I need to ask him what happened that day. I won't believe he did it until I hear it with my own ears. I never cared that he killed Peter. He must have had his reasons, like I had had mine. I always hated Peter...I could just never put my finger on it.

Two days before school was to start and my old friend Lupin was to return, I was talking to the teachers at dinner. Suddenly, the doors burst open and the Potions Master entered.

"Welcome back, Professor Snape. I am glad to see you have returned to us," beamed Dumbledore.

"Yes, Headmaster," Snape replied. "I shall meet with you in your office when you have finished supper." He did not even look at me.

"Very well, Severus. Again, welcome back," answered Dumbledore.

Snape turned on his heels and swept out the doors. I wanted so much to follow him, but thought I had better wait for him to call on me. I wondered why he hadn't looked at me. I went to my rooms, hoping he would come but he never did.

He wasn't at breakfast, lunch, or dinner the next day either. That night I went to his office to see what was going on. My knock went unanswered. He never came that night either. It wasn't until the commencement feast that I saw him again.

He pulled me aside before I went in and hissed, "I suppose you have heard about Black?" The way he said Black's name spoke volumes. I nodded. "And of course there's the werewolf Lupin. I expressed my opinions on the matter with Dumbledore." Snape was not at all pleased. "Has your dear friend Black contacted you?" he accused, his hateful eyes boring into me. I was shocked at the manner in which he was acting toward me. It was like nothing had changed.

"No, Severus, I haven't heard a word," I answered coldly.

"Well, I presume you will. Do not hide your little boyfriend from me, Kinsington! Sirius Black will be returned to Azkaban!" he spat.

He retreated from my sight and left me standing in the hallway. My head was spinning from our conversation, so I just stood there for a while. When I took my seat he did not talk with me.

There had been an incident on the train. Apparently, a Dementor had attacked Harry and Lupin had been there to help. I saw my friend enter the hall and I was happy again.

"Remus!" I screamed. I threw my hands around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"Kinsington! My gods! I can't believe it!" exclaimed Lupin as we hugged happily. "We were all so terribly worried! Thank gods, you are all right!"

"I'm sorry, I really am. I will explain it all later. For now, I am just so glad you're here! I can't believe we are both teachers now!" I took his arm and escorted him to the staff table. "Can you believe how much Harry looks like James? And he's really a great Wizard. Oh, Remus!" I finally released him and he took his seat to my right. Once again I was between the enemies, just like old times.

"Professor Snape, good to see you again," Lupin called out warmly.

"Hm," Snape growled. "Yes…we are so lucky that you have graced us with your presence," he said acidly.

Snape looked furious and shot me a look of hate. This was going to be a difficult time.

"I see he hasn't changed much," whispered Lupin, "What was that look for?"

"Don't ask. I haven't a clue," I lied.

I ignored Severus, since he was obviously not going to talk to me. I turned my attention to Lupin and asked, "Have you been well?" He looked tired and his robes were quite shabby.

"Not bad for a werewolf," he whispered. "I am looking forward to this year. I am looking forward to getting to know Harry." He smiled and looked over at the Gryffindor table, where all of them were looking back at us. "So, you came back last year? If I had known I would have paid you a visit."

I replied, "Well, we have plenty of time to catch up now."

We chatted excitedly about Harry and his friends for the rest of the meal. Snape practically ran out, but not without throwing us a look that could kill. "Well, Lupin, you should get settled in. If you need anything, my rooms are on the third floor where Professor Saturn used to live." I patted him on the back and went to my rooms.

Yet again, Severus did not come to me.

This is fucking ridiculous!

I marched to the dungeons to have it out with him.

"Excuse me, but do you have some sort of problem?" I asked as he opened the door.

"Don't be so indiscreet!" he hissed letting me enter.

"I haven't seen you in months, Severus! I thought we had reached an understanding?" I softened and leaned to kiss him but he stepped away looking disgusted.

"I have changed my mind about things. I would like you to leave me now," he demanded coldly.

I was totally unprepared for this reaction. "What? But, Severus, I…"

"Are you deaf woman? I asked you to leave!"

"No!" I yelled defiantly.

"Surely you do not think I was serious last year? I had my fun with you and now I am bored!" He glared at me evilly. I slapped his face and he grinned back at me. "Feel better? Now go!"

I couldn't speak another word. I slammed the door behind me as I left.

Did he just use me to get revenge for what I did? It seemed so real, surely it had been. I am such a fool! How could I have thought it would be that easy?

---

Over the next several weeks, I heard nothing from Snape outside our lessons. I spent hours with Lupin and was truly glad to have my old friend again. We were in Lupin's office one night when we decided to have a conversation that I had been avoiding for years.

"Lupin, I heard about Lily and James when I was in college. I was horrified and I am so sorry that I wasn't around for you when you needed a friend." My lips began to tremble as I tried to fight the tears.

"It was really bad times all around, Ellie," Lupin explained gently. "The terror of Voldemort's reign was incomprehensible. Entire wizarding families were being picked off, one by one. When James and Lily…" He was now very upset, and I was crying. "When it happened, and I had heard that Sirius had betrayed the Fidelius Charm…it was just too much."

"Are you sure it was Sirius? I have never really been able to believe it. It just seems too terrible and… convenient," I sobbed.

"I don't know, Ellie, I just don't know. I have always had my doubts. I have tried to understand, to make sense of it all. Now that he's escaped from Azkaban, we have to keep our eyes and ears open. We won't allow anything to happen to Harry," Lupin declared.

"I miss them all so much." I began to cry harder so Lupin hugged me to comfort me.

"Lupin, I have prepared your potion," spat Snape.

His loud voice startled us, causing us to jump. "Oh now, do not stop on account of me!" Snape hissed. "See that you drink this, Lupin! I did not brew it for my own enjoyment. It is time consuming and I have better things to do!" roared Snape as he glared at me angrily.

"Thank you very much, Severus. I do appreciate it," Lupin replied.

"Do go on! Don't let me ruin your little rendezvous!" Snape bellowed and then slammed the door.

Walking in to find me in Lupin's arms had given Snape the wrong impression.

"Uh…what in the blazes was that about?" querried Lupin. There was a look of utter confusion on his face.

"He's jealous, I think," I responded.

"Are the two of you…I mean, again?" He was astounded.

"I thought so, but who knows now," I said in exasperation. "He hasn't spoken to me since June, really."

"What do you want Ellie?"

"What I've wanted all my life, Remus: Him."

There. I said it.

"I always knew you loved him, Ellie. We all did. I hope you know what you're in for."

"No, but I'm going to find out right now. See you tomorrow, Lupin."

I knew Remus understood, so I left to chase after Snape.

I pounded on his office door until my hands were sore. Finally, the greasy git opened it.

"Grown tired of your hairy little friend already?" he accused.

"Severus, please let me come in," I begged.

"I am busy!" he snapped. "I do not want to hear anything about it! Do you understand, Kinsington?"

My temper was getting the better of me when I finally asked, "Why are you treating me like this?"

He stared at me sternly for a while, and then moved away from the door to allow me to enter. "I don't know what you think I was doing up there, but we were talking about Lily and James, Severus. We were both upset and we were hugging because we are friends. Nothing else."

"A likely story! Why should I believe you?"

"Oh, I don't know! Maybe because I am fucking in love with you!" I yelled, not even realizing what I had said.

He gaped at me in surprise. That got his attention. We hadn't mentioned that in fifteen years.

I continued to yell at him, "I am tired of playing these ridiculous games! I don't know what to do to make you trust me! If you don't want me, then tell me! But I want you to know that I love you, Severus! I always have and I always will! It will never change!"

I was panting from my rampage but kept going. "If that isn't how you feel, then tell me and I will leave you alone forever! I can't take this anymore! It's tearing me apart!"

I ran from the room and cried all the way back to mine. I had laid it all out for him. He knew how I felt and now it was up to him. I couldn't stop crying all night. I just lay there in bed and sobbed my broken heart out.

***

Hours later, I could feel his presence in my rooms.

"Kinsington…may I come in for a moment?"

I didn't answer. I just turned to face the other way and kept on crying. He came in anyway.

"I have something I would like to discuss with you."

"I have nothing more to say to you," I sobbed.

He sat beside me on the bed, placing his hand on my arm. "I have been very angry since I returned," he began. "When I saw the two of you, I thought the worst. I have not been completely fair to you. I never thought that I could never forgive you when you left me that night, Ellie. When you came back, it all changed."

I stopped crying a little and turned to him to listen.

"I wish I could, because then it wouldn't hurt so much. But I can't hate you," I whispered as I sat up.

"This is no good, Ellie. It just isn't working."

I was scared to death. Is he going to ask me to leave him? "What isn't working?" I asked, not wanting to hear him break my heart.

"All this sneaking around, hiding our feelings from everyone. We are too old to be acting like teenagers," he replied seriously.

"I want you to marry me," he whispered.

"What?" I exclaimed in total shock. Did he really just say that? "Are you out of your fucking mind!" I yelled.

He did not seem to notice my ranting, and continued, "Ellie Charlotte Kinsington, I am madly in love with you. Will you be my wife?"

My mouth and eyes were wide open and I couldn't make a sound. He pulled something out of his robes. It was a small, red leather box. He opened it to reveal a magnificent diamond ring. He took it out of the box and took my hand in his, holding the ring just at my finger. He grinned, "Will you marry me, Ellie?"

I didn't know how to answer that.

Two hours ago, he had acted like he hated me, and now…what the hell?

I just stared at him and then at the ring.

Patiently, Severus explained, "I had planned to ask you as soon as I returned. Instead, I decided to act like a jealous idiot for a while."

"Well, you were very good at it!" I replied. "I thought you were never going to speak to me again. This is the last thing that I expected!"

"You are last thing I ever expected, Ellie. I was a fool to let you leave me once. I shall ask you again, will you marry me?"

"No. Now get the hell out of my rooms!"

"Will you stop blubbering!" he snapped. "Now give me a reasonable reply!"

"A reasonable reply?" I yelled. "Why the hell should I marry a prick like you?"

"Because you love me."

"So!" I snapped.

"Damnit, Kinsington! Why must you always be so bloody dramatic? Now, say you will marry me!"

"You know I will!" I cried angrily as he slid the ring on my finger. "I love you, you surly bastard!

"And I love you, you annoying little wench!"

"Finally, you admit it!"

"Do shut up!" he snapped.

I rolled my eyes before he planted a kiss on my lips.

"Is it too soon to ask when we might complete this transaction?" he asked smoothly.

After a fit of laughter from hearing him describe our wedding like a business merger, I replied, "Oh please! I wanted to do this ages ago! When can we do it?"

This pleased Severus.

"I am glad to see your enthusiasm, Kinsington." He squeezed me gently. "I will have to speak with Professor Dumbledore and let him know of our intentions. I thought that he could perform the ceremony. If you want a proper Wizard's Fidelius wedding, that is."

"I have never heard of that before. Fidelius…is that anything to do with the charm?" I asked.

"In many ways yes. It is an ancient ceremony that is very uncommon nowadays. I think Dumbledore can explain it better than I. Would you like to see him with me in the morning?" he asked with interest.

"I can't wait to ask Dumbledore about it. I'm going to be your wife!" I smiled excitedly, bouncing up and down on the bed.

"That sounds very odd," he mumbled. "Come here!" He grabbed me and pulled me on top of him. He slid his hand across my face and brushed his lips on mine.

"I love you." As he said this, I wrapped my leg around his and lifted his shirt. He smiled a devilish grin as I moved my hands into his pants. "Are you trying to do what I think you're trying to do?" he whispered hungrily, sliding his hands up the back of my dress and grabbing my bottom.

I nodded flirtatiously and began to remove his pants. "Imperturbable," he spelled, so that no one would hear us. I complimented him on his idea and then proceed to remove his shirt and underwear. "Now allow me," he said and returned the favor. He kissed his way over my breasts and stomach, licking at my eager flesh.

That night we were a bit loud. If had he not performed the charm, we surely would have woken the entire floor.

---

In the morning I woke up with a smile. I held up my left hand to gaze at the ring.

Can this really be happening? It seems more like a dream. If it is, I hope I never wake.

I thought he was still asleep, so I continued to hold my hand in the air and grin about the ring.

"Well, Kinsington, I take it that you like the ring?" Snape muttered in a low growl.

"Oh, I thought you were sleeping," I chuckled. "This is exactly what I wanted to the very last detail. How well you know me."

I was no expert, but it looked to me like a flawless 5-carat, emerald-cut diamond. It had emerald-cut side stones and princess-cut diamonds all around the platinum band. "Do you have a fortune stashed away that I don't know about?" I jokingly asked.

"Hm, something like that," he mumbled. Snape looked at me and arched his eyebrow. "I know you are not marrying me for my money."

"No, I am marrying you because you are such a kind fellow," I replied sarcastically.

"Hm...I might as well tell you that I inherited a small fortune from both sides of my family," he admitted. "I am the last of the Snapes, so I got it all."

"I was only joking! I don't care about money, but I won't complain about it either."

"Well, Kinsington, everything I have is yours," he said with a kiss.

"Then I shall take you and a large block of Honeydukes best. That is all I want," I replied sensibly.

"You're going to need that chocolate, seeing as how we missed breakfast."

"What? Well, we had better get moving. I have to teach today in…fifteen minutes!" I sat up quickly.

"Well, I will see you at lunch." He kissed me quickly. "Do not harm yourself staring at that ring all day. I wouldn't want to find that you've run into a wall and knocked yourself silly," he hissed as he threw on his clothes.

"Right, well I'll try."

I walked him to my door to give him one more kiss. "Lupin!" I exclaimed, startled to find Remus at my door in mid-knock.

"Ellie, I was worried when you missed breakfast. Are you alr…" He had noticed I was not alone. I started giggling. "Oh, uhm…hello, Professor Snape."

"Lupin," he hissed. "Miss Kinsington and I were just …talking about…oh hell! She is fine!"

Trying not to laugh, Remus said, "I can see that."

Severus turned to me then planted a dramatic kiss on my lips. "See you later, Miss Kinsington." He sneered at Lupin and strode out the door.

"That was disgusting!" Lupin teased as we both had a good laugh. "Unless I am much mistaken, Snape just marked his territory!"

"You have no idea." I raised my hand and twiddled my fingers to show off the ring.

Lupin's jaw hit the floor. "No!"

"Yes!"

"Congratulations!" he exclaimed and gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. "I thought he was going to challenge me to a duel last night!"

"At it again so soon?" Severus asked calmly as he came back to the room. "I forgot something." His wand was on my bed.

"Don't get the wrong idea! I wasn't trying to…" began Lupin. He thought maybe they would have that duel after all.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Lupin, you really should learn to relax!" he grumbled, putting his wand in his robes. "For some reason, the woman I love seems to value your friendship. It makes no sense to me really, but I trust her."

"Good, I was hoping I wouldn't die today," Remus muttered. "Not before I teach my next class."

"I will save that for another time," Severus replied. I had to laugh and so did Lupin. "Let us go before anymore of your little friends come to manhandle you."

***

Hermione approached me secretively after class. "Miss Kinsington, I couldn't help but notice that very large diamond ring on your finger. Are you…engaged?" she whispered.

I had a little smirk. "You are far too observant, Hermione. Can you keep a secret for a while?" I asked quietly. She looked excited and nodded ‘yes' with great enthusiasm. "Well, yes. I am," I giggled.

"Uhm, well…who…who is it?" she asked.

"You won't believe me if I tell you," I teased. "Oh, all right, but don't tell anyone…unless you think you can trust Ron and Harry. Everyone will know soon, but not just yet. Ok, it's…Professor…Snape."

"What?" she gasped, "Are you joking? I thought you two hated each other?"

"Well actually no, we don't at all. Did you know that we were together during school?"

"Really? Did Harry's dad and your other friends know?" she asked in disbelief.

"Yes, all my friends knew and they gave me quite a bit of hell over it for a while. You see, I was a little advanced in certain subjects so I joined the Slytherins for Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. That was not easy, with me being a younger Gryffindor and all. Eventually, they accepted me and I had friends from both houses, especially Professor Snape." I smiled dreamily.

"Harry and Ron are going to flip when I tell them! Oh, don't worry, we can trust them," she assured.

"I know. I don't ever want you to keep secrets from your best friends. That can cause a lot of stress. I ought to know," I replied. "We both have a lot to tell our friends," I said with a wink.

She ran on ahead and I followed behind.

***

Severus hissed out as I took my seat, "You told them, didn't you?"

"Only Hermione. I am sure she is telling Harry and Ron right now," I whispered. "You aren't upset with me, are you?"

"Hm," he grunted. He looked over at the Gryffindor threesome, who were making faces of shock at Hermione. "They aren't going to believe her, you know?" he said calmly.

"They will eventually." I smile and waved as Harry and Ron whipped around to look at me. "Hello, Lupin!" I sang out as he sat next to me. I looked at Severus who rolled his eyes and then started eating again.

"Does anyone know yet?" Lupin asked quietly.

"Only you and Hermione…and now Harry and Ron." I nodded at them again. They were all still chatting and peeking over at me now and again. "Thank you for not criticizing and being a true friend."

"I think it is wonderful, really. I can't believe he finally got up the courage to do it," Lupin said.

"Potter, go back to your seat!" snapped Snape.

"What is it Harry?" I asked.

"Er…is it true, what Hermione just said?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, Potter! Now mind your business and take your seat!" spat Snape.

I laughed and nodded my head.

"Er... right…sorry, Professor," Harry sputtered and ran back to his seat.

Severus shot me an angry look and I just smiled back at him.

"I suppose you will want Potter and his little friends to attend?" he asked. "Hm, well if they must," he relented.

When lunch was over, Severus turned to me and asked, "Would you like to speak with the Headmaster now? I have an hour until my next class."

"Now? Yes, that sounds wonderful!" I exclaimed.

Snape turned to Dumbledore. "Excuse me, Headmaster. Miss Kinsington and I would like to have a word with you…in private."

We walked quietly to his office and took seats across from him at his desk. "How may I help you?" Albus asked with a smile.

Snape looked at me and began. "Miss Kinsington and I are planning to be married."

"Oh, most excellent! Congratulations, both of you. Yes indeed," Dumbledore said happily. "I was wondering when this day would come." Severus and I looked at each other in surprise. "When is the blessed occasion?"

"We had hoped that you would perform the ceremony, Albus. We decided on the Wizard's Fidelius ceremony," informed Severus.

"I would be delighted. I think that is a wise decision." Dumbledore and Snape exchanged knowing glances. "I am very glad you are willing to do it. It is a very powerful ceremony and not everyone is capable of such trust. Ellie, do you understand what it entails?" asked Dumbledore.

"Not completely, sir. I know it is rare and involves the Fidelius ritual," I added.

"Yes, a very complex and binding version of it. When two married people share this bond, it essentially makes them each other's secret keepers. It is impenetrable and essential when faced with danger," he warned. "I know Severus has much to tell you yet, and I know you will understand why he has asked for this. The two of you have been through a great deal together and will no doubt make it through the most horrible and desperate of times…as well as the very good, of course. I have great faith in the two of you. I always have."

"Yes, Headmaster, I do as well. I would not ask her if thought otherwise, because this situation could potentially will be very dangerous for the both of us," Severus said gravely.

I looked at him quizzically. He took my hand and continued, "There are things that I cannot tell you until after we are married. Do you trust me, Ellie?"

"Absolutely, Severus. I trust you with my life," I assured him.

"When would you like to have the ceremony?" asked Dumbledore.

"As soon as possible, Sir," I said.

"I think two weeks from tomorrow I am available. Is that too soon?" he asked.

"Ellie?" Severus asked. I said that is was not. "Yes, Headmaster, I think we shall be ready."

"Wonderful. We shall discuss the details later after the two of you have had some time to talk things over. This is most exciting," Dumbledore pronounced.

"Thank you so much, Professor Dumbledore. We shall see you at dinner," I declared.

***

We left the office and walked down the corridor. "Are you all right, Severus?"

"I just can not believe it," he said and pulled me aside to kiss me. "Two weeks until you are mine forever."

I squealed happily and hopped up and down. "I can't wait!"

"We can talk in my office after dinner. Right now, we have to go back to teaching," Snape said. I kissed him quickly.

"I love you, see you soon!" I squealed as I walked away, almost skipping.

I had to tell someone so I stopped by Lupin's class and peeked in the door. "Excuse me, Professor Lupin, might I have a word?" I winked at Harry.

"Of course. Class, would you excuse me while I have a word with Miss Kinsington? Miss Granger, could you take over for a moment?" he asked and she agreed. Lupin came out into the hallway.

"Remus, we talked to Dumbledore and two weeks from tomorrow we are getting married!" I exclaimed.

"Ellie, that's great! I am so happy for you!"

"I have a favor to ask of you."

"Anything, Ellie, what is it?"

"I don't have any family you know and you have always been like a brother to me so…I was wondering if you would…give me away?" I asked a little teary eyed.

"I would be absolutely honored to do it. Thank you for asking me," he said, giving me a hug.

"Thank you, Remus. It means a lot to me."

We heard Neville yelling in the classroom. Lupin said quickly, "See you later," and ran back in to his class.

***

After dinner that night I met Severus in his office. He sat in his chair by the fire and I sat facing him on the ottoman. I told him about Remus and he did not object because he knew it was important to me.

"Gryffindors and Slytherins united again... I think we shall be the first to attempt such a marriage in centuries," he pondered. "If any duels should occcur on our wedding day, which side will you join?" he asked silkily.

"Neither! We will kill the lot of them and get the hell out of there!" I proclaimed. "You don't think that will happen, do you?"

"Not with Dumbledore there," he assured me.

"So whom shall we invite? Do you want it to be just us and the teachers? That would be fine with me, as long as you are there," I insisted.

"I am relieved that you do not want to do this in front of the entire school. As much as I detest being social, I would marry you in front of the entire Ministry of Magic during a world conference," he admitted. "Are you sure a small ceremony is what you want?"

"Absolutely! This is something for just you and me." I leaned to kiss him.

"You need to understand that this means...you cannot back out."

"Severus! You aren't having second thoughts are you?"

After giving me an evil glare he replied, "I was merely afraid that you had come to your senses."

I rolled my eyes and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I need to go to my classroom for a while."

"Why don't you bring a change of clothes when you return? In fact, you can bring the lot of them," he said.

"You are very eager to get me moved in, aren't you?"

"You have no idea," he mumbled as I left.

***

Two hours later I came back in his office. "I am going to Hogsmeade tomorrow and you are not to follow me," I demanded.

"Secrets already, Kinsington?" he hissed. "Well soon there won't be any. Are you ready for bed?"

"Yes, it has been a very long day. Wonderful, but very long."

---

I could hardly eat breakfast the next day due to my excitement. Severus was feeling rather unlike himself. He was holding my hand under the table. He had never done that before but only McGonagall and Lupin could tell.

Lupin nudged me and whispered in my ear, "Ellie, did you give him some kind of potion or something? He seems almost…happy."

I laughed a little and replied, "No, but I can't believe it either."

"Next Saturday you shall accompany me to Diagon Alley. We need to decide on our…wedding rings," Severus said covertly.

"Good Lord, Professor Snape! Eager to possess her, aren't you!" exclaimed Lupin.

"Shut up Lupin! I believe I was addressing Miss Kinsington!" he hissed.

"The two of you need to learn to coexist before too long!" I snapped.

"Whatever for?" snapped Snape.

"I will not choose between my husband and my friends, Severus."

"You are mine, not his!"

"Really? And all these years I thought I belonged to myself," I huffed.

Remus choked on his coffee as he stifled a laugh. Snape looked like an angry toddler who just had his favorite toy taken away from him.

"Hm," he growled.

"You know how much I love you," I crooned sweetly to the man at my left. He softened a bit but the scowl remained on his face. "Slytherins," I muttered under my breath to Lupin who winked knowingly. "Now if you boys will excuse me, I have a class to teach."

***

The rest of the week sped by and before I knew it, Severus and I were on our way to Diagon Alley. We decided on a ring that looked like the band of my engagement ring for me; a platinum eternity band with princess cut diamonds all around. For Severus, we chose a thick platinum band with three large, channel-set emerald-cut diamonds. He put our rings in his robes and we Apparated back to the school's gates. For the rest of the day he helped me move more of my things into his rooms. I insisted that he leave some things until after the wedding because I would be spending the night before it there.

"It will be the only day you ever stay without me, do you understand?" he commanded.

"Yes sir, Professor! You are going to be stuck with me forever."

"You make it sound so pleasant, Kinsington."

"It was your idea," I teased.

He looked evil and adorable all at once. "I shall have you, woman," he hissed.

---